Here’s a non-biblical definition of fear: A strong, sometimes uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion, caused by actual or perceived danger and / or threat induced by something or someone.
Have you ever wondered why the word “fear” appears so many times in the Bible? In fact, there are over 500 references throughout the scriptures … some referring to fear as described above, others reminding us to “fear God,” and a few offering instruction for faithful believers, encouraging us to “fear not.”
The first biblical passage using “fear” is found in Genesis 9:2 in respect to the animals of God’s creation’s perspective on humanity, and the last is found in Revelation 19:5 concerning the Lord’s bond-servants offering Him praise. Needless to say, these two words don’t have the same meaning in their original language. The Revelation verse refers to “fear” as being in awe and reverent before the Lord, while in Genesis, the “fear” is that from the perspective of trembling, or being in terror as standing before a superior being / power.
Undoubtedly, it is right and good for us, as believers, to “fear” God by demonstrating genuine reverence, deep respect, and honor towards Him.
Some would argue that three types or categories of fear exist:
- Rational Fear occurs where there is a real, imminent threat.
- Primal Fear is defined as an innate fear which is somehow pre- programmed into our brains.
- Irrational Fears are the ones that don’t make logical sense and may vary greatly from person to person.
Others come from a different, more descriptive perspective:
- Fear of Failure and / or Success.
- Fear of Rejection.
- Fear of Change / Unknown (loving the status quo, even if change is needed).
- Fear of Speaking (publicly).
- Fear of Imperfection (or not being good enough / judged).
- Fear of Vulnerability (being open, showing weaknesses).
- Fear of Time (chronophobia – the passage of days, months, years).
- Fear of Loneliness.
Biblically, fear can be good for a believer, or it can become tremendously destructive like the lyrics of a song we sing, “fear is a liar!” However, fear can serve as a motivation to follow the Lord, living righteously and humbly serving Him as one’s Lord. In addition, every individual, at some point in their life, must ask the questions, “What am I afraid of?” and “Are my fears, real or perceived, stopping me from achieving what the Lord is asking of me in this life?”
I know this will sound over-simplified to many, but biblically, there are actually only 2 fears in our world. (I know, “what about my fear of falling or fear of wasps or snakes?” … I’m not suggesting that they are not real)
“the spirit of fear” & “the fear of the Lord”
THE SPIRIT OF FEAR
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity (fear / cowardness), but of power and love and discipline (sound / right judgement).
According to this verse, we as believers, have been supernaturally granted the exact opposite of timidity, fear, fearfulness, fright! I’ll never forget at Hurricane Harvey (6 years ago last Sunday), when I was trying to get back to our house in order to take care of Brenda and Wofetoo — I had no fear. Tommie Elpers drove through really high water (at least 4-6 feet deep in places on FM 1093 to drop me off near the back entrance to our subdivision. I jumped in a boat that a fellow resident was navigating and we tore down a 6 foot wood fence to get in. He dropped me off once we saw some dry ground and houses that weren’t flooded. However, that wasn’t our section! To get to our home, I still had to walk through chest-high water, and then once in our area, avoid all the underground drains. The Lord was with me, I was never afraid or fearful, I got home and then we were ultimately delivered to safety by another neighbor who had a military hummer that would run, with the now deeper water, in the cab. The young lady from across the street, who went out with us and another senior couple were all scared to death. Now, I’m not saying I had anything other than a confidence / trust that I was moving rightly and that the Lord was directing my path / every step. Did we suffer loss? Sure, a great one, almost everything in our home destroyed, plus all the damage to the house (as many of you remember).
Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
THE FEAR OF THE LORD
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Fearing God leads to an abundant (blessed) life! It brings wisdom, it provides refuge, and it shows / fully demonstrates our reverence for / to God. This kind of fear is extremely healthy. Too often, God’s people forget that our Lord is omnipresent and omniscient. Fearing Him is to love Him and show forth our willingness to obey and submit under His leadership and direction (guidance) even in things / times / circumstances / situations we do not understand!
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.
Brothers and sisters, here’s the bottom line …
Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
May this truth be alive in all Your people, Lord, and especially those of us that gather for worship and teaching at West Oaks Fellowship! Let us be fearless (“fear not” – from Isaiah 41:10 above) because we know, and are confident, that You are with us 24/7!
His & Yours, because of GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense)
Pastor Frank
